2024 team & most popular player revealed

Global football players union FIFPRO has revealed the world’s best XI according to the professionals themselves, with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham receiving the most votes.

More than 21,000 footballers from 70 countries were polled to pick the best player during the 2023/24 campaign across each position. At least one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards had to make the cut, while a final midfielder was added based on the swollen tally of votes.

Real Madrid dominated the lineup, boasting five current players as well as the freshly retired Toni Kroos. After a season which saw Carlo Ancelotti’s side crowned champions of Spain and Europe, extending their record stranglehold of silverware in both competitions, the proliferation of white shirts in the World XI is understandable.

Vinicius Junior infamously missed out on this year’s Ballon d’Or, but earned his spot on the left wing of this hypothetical team. Antonio Rudiger and summer recruit Kylian Mbappe were included, yet no player from any club could match Bellingham’s 11,176 votes – more than half the total number of players polled.

Right-back Dani Carvajal also got the nod. On top of his glittering array of club honours, the Spain international helped his nation win Euro 2024.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri was part of that international triumph – and deservedly won recognition as the Player of the Tournament. Much to the disgust of all those associated with Real Madrid, Rodri also lifted the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions boasted seven players among the 26 nominees and Rodri was joined by his City teammates Ederson, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, who made the cut despite missing almost half the campaign with a hamstring injury.

Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk completed an elite lineup.

Goalkeeper

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

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